Latest Kia Recall Addresses Fire Risk in Seltos, Soul
By Patrick Masterson
April 20, 2021
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2021 Kia Seltos SX | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Kia can’t seem to avoid fanning some flames lately, as it’s issuing a second major recall in less than two months for vehicles affected by a fire risk. In early March, it was the Cadenza sedan and Sportage SUV up for recall; this time it is the Seltos SUV and Soul hatchback.
The issue affects more than 147,000 all-new model-year 2021 Seltos and model-year 2020-21 Soul vehicles specifically equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash, and oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
To fix the issue, dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine. Dealers also will install piston ring noise sensing software. All repairs will be done for free, and the recall will begin June 11. Owners with further questions can call Kia at 800-333-4542, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit its website to check their vehicle identification number and learn more.
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Patrick Masterson
Patrick Masterson is Chief Copy Editor at Cars.com. He joined the automotive industry in 2016 as a lifelong car enthusiast and has achieved the rare feat of applying his journalism and media arts degrees as a writer, fact-checker, proofreader and editor his entire professional career. He lives by an in-house version of the AP stylebook and knows where semicolons can go.